Real Bride Sansan De Leon-Krijgsveld: My Accidental Bride

Sansan+Casper

January 19, 2011

I remember back in 2nd grade - we both had glasses and had the same glow in the dark Ghostbusters kicks. Mine was a mere fascination for Ghostbusters, and hers was, and still is an obsession. Cut to decades after, my petite, hyper-active buddy is getting married. I remember that morning, I was on Facebook and saw her stat. She said that it would be the last day for her to have a last name that anyone could easily pronounce. True enough, I had to message her to know what her married name is now. She said, "K-R-I-J-G-S-V-E-L-D ;p prounounced as "krekshvelt." OMG. I didn't know that a bunch of consonants, with two vowels thrown in could be a foreign name. Talk about taking away the "De-Leon" generic name. Anyway, as the story goes, I asked her who was going to do her makeup, and she said that she had planned to do it on her own because she was too dyahe to ask me. So off I went to her place, with 2 year old in tow to do her makeup. Of course, it didn't go without my scolding her.

San was visibly very happy that day, and I was glad I caught her update on Facebook. (Digression: You just got to love Facebook sometimes!) I wasn't able to see her get married nor was I able to join them at the reception, but I was glad that I was part of her wedding. Incidentally, it's her birthday today, and what better gift to give but this post! ;p I was delighted to find out that amazing couple Jorem & Sheila Catilo were present at the occasion and took beautiful photos of their signature.

Sharing with you photos of the wedding. Thank you Teza, Jorem and Sheila for the photos! :D

I love you San! I always did and always will! xoxo

Skincare Goldmine: Himalaya Herbals

I love to window shop, particulary at cosmetics and skincare stores. So one sad morning, I decided to head out for the nearest mall to look around and shake off my nega vibes. Blame it on habit, or obsession, I ended up at Watson's. I love going around the gondolas and the makeup counters! I had a bout of pre and post PMS problems on my face and was determined to never let it happen again. I looked around the familiar brands and found my way to the less loud gondolas. I found myself staring at the shelves of Himalaya Herbals. Being a full time mom, I was pretty much biased with anything organic, or herbal - or anything with the least amount of ingredients/chemicals in it. The bottles and tubes of products before me stood in utmost humility. No colored stickers, no funky colors, no loud logos. All green and white.

As I took a bottle to read what was in it, I noticed that it was an"Ayurvedic Product," and all there products were so. Dermatologically tested, hypo-allergenic and had "No Harmful Chemicals." I thought to myself, "Hmm, this is looking good." The one thing I had to consider was the price. I was pleased to see that most of their products fall under Php 200. And confused I became. I ended up with three products, the Walnut Scrub, Deep Cleansing Milk and the Neem Foaming Face Wash.

I grew up with St. Ives' Apricot Scrub and this one gives them a run for their money! The scent is creamy, buttery and nutty all at the same time and would make you scrub everyday. The grains are very generous and the feel is as if the grains are soaked in lotion. I use it now for my hands, elbows and feet.

Next is the Deep Cleansing Milk. I expected it to be, well, milky in consistency. I assumed that I squeezed an amount of it on my hand, it would be like Cetaphil. I was pleased to find that it was more of a cream consistency. I massaged it onto my face (which was full of makeup) and it seemed to melt into my skin. What I noticed about it is that unlike cleansing oils, you don't see your "melted" makeup all over your face. I then wiped off with a damp cotton pad to remove the makeup. It was surprisingly refreshing! Ever get that feeling that when you do that with cleansing oil, you feel your pores would be clogged even more? For those who aren't satisfied with the cotton pad, you can rinse it off.

I got the Neem Foaming Face Wash because I love getting a squeaky clean face. With all the makeup we wear, it's comforting to clean it all the way down. Since it foams, it is also absolutely economical. This wash can actually take off most of your makeup - but has difficulty removing eye kohl and waterproof mascara. It works great in tandem with the Deep Cleansing Milk.

So there. I will definitely go back and try their masks, hair products and herbal toothpaste. If you're one for all natural, simple and effective products, this brand is for you. I am so in love with these three and it would be a shame not to share this goldmine.

Real Bride Sharmaine Mina-Carlhian: The Beautiful Sentimental OC

Antoine+Shermaine

November 13, 2010

Preps: Taal Vista Lodge

Ceremony & Venue: Tagaytay Midlands

Photos: Jaja Samaniego / Toto Villaruel / Lianne Bacorro for Imagineation Photography

The first time I met Shermaine, I wasn't sure what to do with her as far as makeup goes - she's already gorgeous! The wedding in Manila was the second one for the couple as it preceded a ceremony in Belgium. It was a simple, detailed and well put together wedding with dainty details and unique personalization (if that's even a word).

Shermaine wanted the same makeup look she's had for years now - which is black liner around the rim of her eyes. I just enhanced her beautiful morena tones with a touch of golden eyeshadow. Shermaine preferred not to wear false lashes on the day as well. Au naturele. :)

I cannot resist placing a photo of Shermaine with her beautiful mom (who also made the dresses for the occasion) alongside the photo of her dad (who passed away a month prior to the wedding :( )

It was a beautiful wedding with much mixed emotions. Early in the morning, Tita Zeny said that she was sad, that she wished Tito Roger was there with them. As I looked out the balcony of the room and saw the sun shining so beautifully on Taal, I said to her, "Don't worry Tita. I think he is." Much love to the Mina family. And again, congratulations to the not so newly wed Carlhians. :)

Real Bride Sarah Javalera-Mora: Epitome of finesse, relaxed chinita charm.

Noli+Sarah

November 27, 2010

Preps: Hyatt Hotel & Casino

Ceremony & Reception: Patio Victoria Manila

Photo Credits: Jorem & Sheila Catilo

At the wedding congress last 2010, a pretty chinita girl, her sister and their mom were watching me as I did trials at my booth. Later on, I learned that Sarah had a trial done at another makeup artist's booth. Since my area was almost at the exit of the exhibit hall, it was only then that she chanced on my booth. Her sister Linlin convinced her to give it a go. However, Sarah wanted Noli to see her initial trial (Noli was then stuck in traffic on his way to pick the three ladies up). So, Linlin was the one I did the trial with.

After a few huddles and scrutiny regarding Linlin’s makeup, they then informed me that they’d be back with their decision. A few minutes later, the ladies, with Noli in tow, confirmed their wedding date and secured my services. Sarah was so cute as she said, “Sana Sam binura ko nalang pala yung una kong trial!”

Sarah (left) and Linlin (right)

Linlin after (trial at the bridal fair, courtesy of Linlin)

Here are some shots by Jorem & Sheila Catilo

Can I just add that Linlin is such a doting sister to Sarah? She was on top of everything on the wedding day and it was obvious too with the photos that the Catilos took. Tip for the brides, sisters are the best coordinators on the day of your wedding - no fees, they know all your relatives and best of all, they know you. So kahit maging bridezilla ok lang. (Sidenote: Wala pa naman ako bridezillas)

Thanks Sarah and Linlin (and Tito and Tita!)! The Javalera family is so much fun to be with! Linlin, I'm just waiting for your turn! <3

Real Bride Cecille Roxas-Padecio - Creative Handicrafter

Ilie+Maricel

October 14, 2010

Preps & Reception: Amvel

Ceremony: Bamboo Organ, Las Pinas

Photo credits: Atty. Raymond Fortun

Flowers: Vatel Manila

I met Cel & Ilie at my very first bridal fair last year. She was introduced to me by Dylan of Vatel Manila/Mango Farm. I gave her a trail at the fair and upon completing the base, Ilie gave Cel a thumbs up! My call time was 3am and as Cel opened the door, we were both laughing at how we looked. She, as most brides, hardly had a wink of sleep. Had she not remained to be a friend, I would think she was out to sabotage me!

Thanks for trusting me to do your makeup on your wedding day. Here's to isaw at the Mango Farm!


Oh, did I ever mention that Cel hand made the invites, souvenirs, boutonnieres and all there is to craft for her wedding? She is now part of  Vatel Manila and their spin off company {etc} Handmade Goodness. Check out their site and the company led by my awesome friend Dylan.